Christchurch Weekend Meeting

I've just received the latest BAA Journal and note the Christchurch weekend has been set for 7th to 9th September 2018.

This is rather a shame as it clashes with the largest observing event in the UK, the Autumn Equinox star party at Kelling Heath. Much as though I would have liked to have attended the Christchurch weekend, Kelling wins.

Thanks for your reply. I do understand the difficulty with bookings especially when using educational establishments for venues. I mention it merely as a reminder to avoid conflict wherever possible. The original date for the Winchester w/e was fine but I know you had to change it through no fault of your own so no problem. March 23rd for the DSS meeting is fine - full moon is on the 21st. As Owen points out I will miss this and Kelling in April 2019 anyway as I'll be in New Zealand - I've booked two new moon periods to maximise my chances of seeing the Southern constellations/stars (I've never seen the LMC, SMC, Eta Carina or 47 Tuc - will be taking a travel scope with me.) It will be the first Kelling I've missed ever but hopefully will be well worth it. Ironically I would have been back in time for the original Winchester date.

Re September, this is the one to avoid a new moon event if possible. The Autumn Kelling is invariably over the new moon period in September. About once every 4 years it occurs in the first week in September and occasionally gets pushed into October to avoid school holidays, this year was a close call.

I am rather surprised you chose Christchurch Junior School as the location, Bournemouth Grammar School for Boys has a lecture theatre that would cater for larger numbers as well as Bournemouth University both more covenient for hotel accomidation

The meeting has been organised in collaboration with Wessex Astronomical Society, and they chose the venue. We are dependent on the knowledge and contacts of local societies in organising such meetings, and the results are usually excellent, as I fully expect they will be in this case.